KTT Darling vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the KTT MoonRosa offer unique experiences to cater to different preferences. The Darling, a linear switch, is renowned for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to keystrokes. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out creates a satisfying blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the MoonRosa, another linear switch, stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to an all-POM construction. With a mild, low-pitched sound signature and easy-to-press keys, the MoonRosa provides a quieter and more effortless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the KTT MoonRosa, we can see a clear distinction between their top housings. The Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for users looking for a more resonant and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the MoonRosa features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more subdued sound, offering a unique typing experience for those who prefer a quieter and more mellow sound profile. While both housings aim to enhance the overall sound quality of the switches, they cater to different preferences with their distinct characteristics.
When it comes to the bottom housings of the KTT Darling and KTT MoonRosa, we find a similarity in the sound profiles they create. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that offers a more satisfying typing experience. Similarly, the POM bottom housing in the MoonRosa also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing users with a consistent typing experience that emphasizes a richer sound quality.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Darling and KTT MoonRosa switches showcases a balance between sharpness and resonance in the sound profiles they produce. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling offers a crisp and clear sound, the POM top housing of the MoonRosa provides a deeper and more unique sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing shared by both switches enhances the overall sound quality with its ability to produce a fuller and more absorbing sound profile. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the typing experience, users can choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch provide an interesting comparison. The Darling has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of switch weight. On the other hand, the MoonRosa has a lower actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams, which classifies it as a lighter switch. The Darling offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the MoonRosa allows for a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. In general, those who prefer a lighter typing feel would lean towards the MoonRosa, while those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes would opt for the Darling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance travelled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the Darling or the MoonRosa, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance. In this case, the travel distances of both switches are equal, providing users with a seamless typing experience regardless of which option they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is best known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, providing a sharp and resonant sound profile that is engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch offers a more neutral sound signature with a low-pitched tone, creating a buttery smooth typing experience that is less vibrant in terms of auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference, the Darling switch offers a more pronounced and sharp sound, while the MoonRosa switch provides a mellower and bass-heavy sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and lively typing sensation with a pronounced rebound effect. In contrast, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch is characterized by a mild and easy-to-press feel, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless activation. The Darling switch gives a more tactile and responsive feel, while the MoonRosa switch offers a smoother and comfortable typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Taking into account all the available information, it is evident that the KTT Darling and MoonRosa linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling switch excels in providing a vibrant and chewy typing sensation with clacky, high-pitched sound, the MoonRosa switch focuses on a smoother and buttery typing experience with a neutral, low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches delivering satisfying performance in their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, consider the characteristics that align with your preferences. If you are looking for a typing experience that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature and easy-to-press keys, then the KTT MoonRosa switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what tactile and auditory feedback you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.